DEL MAR — Although some lingering concerns still need to be addressed, the Del Mar City Council expressed support Feb. 4 for the proposed construction of a 76,000-square-foot roof over the Del Mar Fairgrounds Arena.

The council decided to outline its comments in a letter that it will send to the 22nd District Agricultural Association — which governs the fairgrounds property — and the California Coastal Commission.

The City Council’s primary concern is with parking, especially since a new roof would turn the arena into a year-round venue for concerts and special events. On Jan. 8, the 22nd District Agricultural Association’s board of directors voted 5-0 to approve an environmental study for the proposed project.

The covered arena will be able to seat more than 8,000 people at maximum capacity; however, the 22nd District Agricultural Association has stated that future events at the arena will never include more than 5,800 people.

There are currently 5,867 parking spots on the fairgrounds’ main lot.

“If the arena can hold more, we feel the analysis should be done on the maximum that the facility can handle,” said Del Mar Planning Director Linda Niles. “That’s why we are requesting additional information to be added to the traffic analysis.”

On Aug. 20, 2007, the City Council sent its initial concerns to the fair board, which included a letter and 18 pages of comments. Niles said that most of those, such as possible seepage and increases in noise, have been addressed.

“We’re not anticipating a significant increase in noise,” Niles said. “If they have concerts, it’s been indicated that they will place the stage and speakers in a different manner than with other events.”

The arena has hosted professional bull riding, monster truck racing and the Del Mar National Horse Show.

But during the winter months the open-air facility sits idle. A covered arena would allow for more equestrian events, concerts and other forms of entertainment.

Del Mar City Councilwoman Crystal Crawford feels confident that the city’s concerns will be addressed.

“We still have concerns about the assumptions that are being made in regard to traffic impacts and the increases that might occur with additional events at the arena,” Crawford said.

Mayor Dave Druker said that 90 percent of the council’s concerns about the project have been addressed, but parking is still a major issue.

“If there is both an event at the arena and an event at the fairgrounds, there may not be enough parking in the paved lot,” Druker said.

Del Mar City Attorney Tamara Smith said the project’s Environmental Impact Report should be available in May or June.